Ian Rush and Steve Nicol are among a number of ex-Liverpool stars who have called on the club to offer a coaching role to the former England international, who is also weighing up a career as a media pundit.

Rodgers expects Carragher to take a little time out of the game after retiring, but hopes to eventually bring him back into the club.

"I've had regular conversations with Jamie since I came in last summer," Rodgers told talkSPORT. "He's a guy who's put his heart, soul and life into Liverpool. As one of the local players, there's even more pressure on him.

"He's been outstanding this season, even when he hasn't been playing. As a manager, it's a real privilege to work with someone like that because he's very committed, has got old-school values and ethics and really respects me and my decisions. He works very hard to prove that he's still good enough to be in the team. Even at 35, he's still one of the best pure defenders in the Premier League.

"He hasn't totally made up his mind what he's doing yet. It wouldn't surprise me if he had a small amount of time away but, over time, I'm sure he'll have a role here at the football club. But at the moment, we're only concentrating on his playing, and his playing has been top class."

Carragher has made more than 700 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in January 1997.